Singapore will operate two repatriation flights from Muscat in Oman on Saturday 7th March and Sunday 8th March to evacuate citizens stranded in the Middle East amid the ongoing regional conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced the measures as it intensifies efforts to assist Singaporeans affected by widespread airspace closures and airport shutdowns that began on 28th February following the escalation of hostilities.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang told reporters on Thursday that about a quarter of Singaporeans who have e-registered with MFA have sought help to return home since the conflict started.
The flights from Muscat International Airport will primarily serve Singaporeans in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where around 60% of e-registered citizens are located.
In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, MFA said the second flight on 8th March was arranged “given the high demand”. Singaporeans in the UAE will be transported to Muscat by coach to board the flights.
According to an email from MFA to a Singaporean in Abu Dhabi seen by Channel News Asia, the first flight departs Muscat at 10.30am local time on Saturday and arrives in Singapore at 9.20pm the same day.
Overland transport will be provided with pick-ups at 7am the day before from the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Millennium Airport Hotel in Dubai. Timings may change at short notice because of the fluid situation. No overland transport will be provided for those already in Oman.
Seats on the flights cost S$600 each, or about US$470. Cabin class will be assigned randomly, although MFA will try to seat families together.
As the flights are designated repatriation services, there will be no meal differentiation between cabin classes, with passengers offered only meat or non-meat options.
Luggage is limited to 30kg per passenger, and oversized or excess baggage will not be accommodated. Frequent flyer privileges do not apply, and pets are not permitted.
The flights are strictly for Singaporeans and their dependents. Non-citizens such as friends will not be allowed to board.
Submitting an e-registration form with MFA does not guarantee a seat because capacity is limited. Singaporeans seeking to join the flights have been advised to e-register promptly.
MFA has deployed crisis response teams to the region, with three officers currently in Muscat and two more expected to be sent to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
For Singaporeans in Bahrain and Qatar, the ministry plans to organise assisted overland trips by bus to Riyadh over the next few days. The airport there remains open and commercial flights are still operating.
“We will be reaching out to Singaporeans who have recently indicated to us that they would like assistance to return to Singapore,” Ms Gan said.
Ms Gan added that MFA is working with airlines and local authorities to explore further repatriation flights while monitoring available flight routes and airport reopening schedules.
Ms Gan also urged Singaporeans in the Middle East to seek shelter and follow the advice of local authorities. Those who have not yet e-registered with MFA should do so to receive updates and information.
Further details will be posted on the social media pages of MFA’s foreign missions, including those in Bahrain and Riyadh.
Singaporeans needing assistance can contact embassies in the region or the MFA Duty Office at 6379-8000 or 6379-8855, or email mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government would do everything possible to help affected Singaporeans return safely.
“The safety and well-being of Singaporeans remain our top priority,” Prime Minister Wong said in a social media post. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our overseas missions are working around the clock to assist those affected.”
The conflict has caused the biggest disruption to air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic. Major airports, including Dubai’s, were shut on 28th February following the US-Israel attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions.
Some commercial flights from the UAE – Singapore resumed on 5th March, allowing some travellers to return home through alternative routes.
MFA continues to advise Singaporeans to defer travel to Israel, Iran and the broader Middle East, and to consider routes that avoid transiting the region because further disruptions remain possible.
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